. >> i like feeling the energy of everybody. so it's just -- i like being in the crowd. i like being with people and get excited and i like it. ♪ >> reporter: there were sidewalk performers and of course, fur. >> peta is letting shoppers know compassion is the fashion and we're encouraging them not to buy fur or leather. >> reporter: the city even got into the holiday spirit by moving construction equipment on stockton street. it not only reopened the street for shoppers, it temporarily repaved it. but despite department stores at every turn, you didn't have to be a shopper to enjoy the show. >> we don't have this in france, the black friday. so it's kind of cool to see the american culture. >> and if the crowds and bags were any evidence, the american shopping culture was in fine form today. ♪ >> the crowds at one store chain, walmart employees staged protests today. some have walked out over poor conditions, some object to the new black thursday work schedule. others say they aren't safe in the stampedes with the sales. employees handed out flyers and carried out s